ERROR_EVT_INVALID_PUBLISHER_NAME - 15004 (0x3A9C)

The specified publisher name is invalid.

Updated: Feb 21, 2026

Technical Meaning

The ERROR_EVT_INVALID_PUBLISHER_NAME error code, with the numeric value of 15004 (0x3A9C), indicates that a specified publisher name is invalid. This error typically arises when an attempt to publish or reference an event log message fails due to an improperly formatted or non-existent publisher name.

Error Details

This error code is specific to the Windows Event Log system and is returned by the ReportEvent function, which is used for publishing custom event logs. The publisher name is a unique identifier that must be correctly specified when logging events.

Usage Context

The context in which this error might occur includes:

  • Attempting to log an event using the ReportEvent API with an invalid or non-existent publisher name.
  • Using the Event Viewer to manage or view logs where an incorrect or missing publisher name is encountered.

Developer Interpretation

When encountering this error, developers should ensure that the publisher name used in their logging operations is correctly formatted and exists within the system. This includes verifying the spelling, case sensitivity, and existence of the publisher name before attempting to log events.

Related Errors

  • ERROR_EVT_PUBLISHER_NAME_NOT_FOUND (15003)
  • ERROR_EVT_PUBLISHER_HANDLE_INVALID (15002)

FAQ

Q: What does the ERROR_EVT_INVALID_PUBLisher_Name error mean?

A: It indicates that a specified publisher name is invalid, preventing event logging.

Q: How can I resolve this issue?

A: Ensure the publisher name is correctly formatted and exists in your system configuration.

Summary

The ERROR_EVT_INVALID_PUBLISHER_NAME error code signifies an issue with the publisher name used for event logging. Developers should validate their input to avoid this error.